1997 

C7E6 


o 


GIFT   OF 
tos.DeForest  A.Rodecape 


rispin,  Rival  of  His 
aster:  a  Comedy  in 
ne  Act:  by  Le  Sage: 
ranslated  by  Barrett  H. 
lark 


amuel  French:  Publisher 

28-30  West  Thirty-eighth  Street :   New  York 


LONDON 


Samuel  French,  Ltd 

26    Southampton    Street,    Strand 


PRICE  rWENTY-PlVE  CENTS. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/crispinrivalofhiOOIesarich 


THB  WORLD'S    BEST    PLATS 

BY  CELEBRATED    EUROPEAN   AUTHORS 

BARRETT  H.     CLARK 
GENERAL   EDITOR 


Crispin,  Rival  of  His 
Master:  a  Comedy  in 
One  Act:  by  Le  Sage: 
Translated  by  Barrett  H. 
Clark 


Samuel  French:  Publisher 

28-30  West  Thirfy-eighth  Street :   New  York 

LONDON 

Samuel  French,  Ltd. 

26    Southampton    Street,    Strand 


CI'' 


Copyright.  1915, 
BY  SAMUEL  FRENCH 


-^-^y^  ^  v^i^.  v^  ^^f^^i^^  /y.  i^/r^€^/u^ 


ALAIN-RENfi  LE  SAGE. 

Le  Sage  is  one  of  the  greatest  figures  in  late  seven- 
teenth and  early  eighteenth  century  French  litera- 
ture.   His  novel,  "  Gil  Bias  ",  is  celebrated. 

In  his  few  plays  he  shows  a  decidedly  satirical 
bent ;  in  "  Turcaret  "  especially,  which  is  one  of  the 
first  realistic  studies  of  society  and  the  money- 
question. 

"  Crispin  "  is  in  a  lighter  vein,  and  is  somewhat 
reminiscent  of  the  adventures  of  Gil  Bias. 


M203372 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER 


PERSONS  REPRESENTED. 

Monsieur  Oronte A  tradesman  of  Paris 

Madame  Oronte His  wife 

Angeliqije.  ..  .Their  daughter,  engaged  to  Damis 

Valere In  love  zvith  Angelioue 

Monsieur  Orgon Damis' s  father 

Lisette Angelique's  maid 

Crispin Valere's  valet 

La  Branche Damis' s  valet 

Time  '.' — Early  eighteenth  century. 

"  Crispin  Rival  de  son  Maitre "   was  first  per- 
formed, at  Paris,  in  1707- 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER 


Scene: — A  street  in  Paris;  Monsieur  Oronte's 
hoii'ie  at  the  hack,  zvith  an  entrance.  Entrances 
also  right  and  left.  Valere  and  Crispin  are 
present. 

Valere.    Ha  there,  you  are,  rascal ! 

Crispin.     Now,  don't  let's  get  angry. 

Valere.    Idiot ! 

Crispin.  Please  let  us  try  to  avoid  person- 
alities.   What  have  you  to  complain  of? 

Valere.  You  ask  me  that  ?  You  asked  for  leave 
of  absence  for  a  week,  and  I  have  seen  nothing  of 
you  for  the  past  month !  Is  that  the  way  for  a 
valet  to  behave? 

Crispin.  But,  ^lonsieur,  I  serve  you  when  you 
pay  me  my  wages.  It  seems  therefore  that  I  have 
as  good  reason  as  you  to  complain. 

Valere.    Where  have  you  been  ? 

Crispin.  Making  my  fortune.  I  was  in  Tour- 
aine,  with  a  friend  of  mine — on  a  little  trip. 

Valere.    What  trip  ? 

Crispin.  A  business  matter  my  friend  had  to  at- 
tend to. 

Valere.  Well,  you  come  back  in  the  nick  of 
time.  I  have  no  money,  and  you  must  surely  be 
able  to  lend  me  some  ? 

Crispin.  No,  Monsieur,  we  were  unlucky.  The 
fish  saw  the  bait,  but  it  refused  to  nibble. 

Valiere.  You  are  a  fine  fellow  indeed !  Listen 
to  me,  Crispin :  I  am  willing  to  forgive  you  for  the 
past,  as  I  have  great  need  of  you  now. 

7 


&':;qRl^Pm,:RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

Crispin.     How  kind  and  forgiving  of  you! 

Valere.  I'm  in  the  devil  of  an  embarrassing 
situation ! 

Crispin.  Are  your  creditors  getting  impatient? 
Has  that  fat  tradesman  who  sold  you  thirty  pistoles' 
worth  of  goods  for  a  note  of  nine  hundred  francs 
sued  you  yet  ? 

Valere.    No. 

Crispin.  I  see.  That  generous  marquise  who 
paid  for  your  last  suit  of  clothes  has  perhaps  found 
out  that  you  and  I  were  in  partnership  with  the 
tailor  ? 

Valere.     No,  Crispin,  I  have  fallen  in  love. 

Crispin.    Ah  ha!    And  with  whom,  please? 

Valere.  With  Angelique,  the  only  daughter  of 
Monsieur  Oronte. 

Crispin.  I  know  her  by  sight.  She's  devilish 
good-looking.  If  I'm  not  mistaken,  her  father  is  a 
tradesman  who  lives  just  opposite  here?  And  he's 
very  rich,  is  he  not? 

Valere.  Yes,  and  he  has  three  large  houses  in 
the  best  sections  of  Paris. 

Crispin.    What  an  adorable  girl  she  is ! 

Valere.    He  has  plenty  of  ready  money,  too. 

Crispin.  I  know  how  your  passion  burns !  But 
how  about  the  lady  herself  ?  Does  she  know  you 
are  in  love  with  her  ? 

Valere.  For  the  past  week  I  have  been  allowed 
to  visit  the  house,  and  I  am  convinced  she  has  some 
liking  for  me.  But  yesterday,  Lisette,  her  maid, 
told  me  a  piece  of  news  that  casts  me  into  the  depths 
of  despair. 

Crispin.    And  what  did  Lisette  tell  you? 

Valere.  I  have  a  rival.  Monsieur  Oronte  has 
promised  her  hand  to  some  fellow  from  the  prov- 
inces. He  is  expected  here  any  day  to  marry  An- 
gelique. 

Crispin.    And  who  may  the  rival  be? 

Valere.    I  have  no  idea — ^yet.    Lisette  was  called 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.       9 

the  moment  she  told  me  what  I  have  just  related  to 
you,  and  I  was  forced  to  retire  without  learning  the 
name. 

Crispin.  So — and  the  three  houses  seem  rather 
— hm — hypothetical  ? 

Valere.  Now  run  and  find  Lisette  and  talk  the 
matter  over.    Then  we  shall  make  our  preparations. 

Crispin.    Leave  everything  in  my  hands. 

Valere.  I  shall  wait  at  my  house  for  you.  (He 
goes  out) 

Crispin.  I'm  tired  of  being  a  valet!  Crispin, 
It  is  high  time  you  v/ent  into  business  for  yourself ! 

(Enter  La  Branche.) 

La  Branche.    Crispin,  on  my  soul ! 

Crispin.  La  Branche,  on  my  honor ! — Delighted 
to  see  you.  (They  shake  hands)  Why,  I  haven't 
seen  you  for  so  long  that  I  thought  the  courts  had 
decreed  your  banishment. 

La  Branche.  I  have  had  many  a  narrow  escape 
since  I  last  saw  you,  my  friend ! 

Crispin.    Tell  me. 

La  Branche.  One  night  I  stopped  a  man  on  the 
street — a  foreigner;  I  wanted  to  ask  him  news  of 
his  country.  The  rascal  didn't  understand  a  word 
of  French,  and  thought  I  was  trying  to  rob  him. 
He  cried,  Stop  thief  !  And  I  was  arrested.  I  spent 
seven  weeks  in  the  Chatelet. 

Crispin.     Seven  v/eeks ! 

La  Branche.  I  should  have  stayed  much  longer 
had  it  not  been  for  a  charming  little  lady  who 
turned  every  thing  unside  down  to  get  me  liberated. 

Crispin.     Friends  are  invaluable  ! 

La  Branche.    That  scrape  set  me  thinking. 

Crispin.  I  should  imagine  so.  You  aren't  so 
curious  now  about  news  from  abroad,  are  you? 

La  Branche.  Heaven  help  me,  no !  I'm  now  in 
service  again.    Are  you  busy  as  usual,  Crispin? 


lo    CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

Crispin.  No,  like  you  I  am  a  free-lance.  I've 
entered  service  again,  but  my  master  is  without  a 
sou  and  Vm  none  too  satisfied. 

La  Branche.  Nor  am  I.  I  live  at  Chartres,  and 
my  master  is  a  certain  Damis.  Nice  fellow — likes 
plenty  of  good  company,  gam.bling,  and  wine.  We 
have  wonderful  times  together.  He  keeps  me 
amused  and  out  of  mischief. 

Crispin.    What  an  innocent  life  you  lead ! 

La  Branche.    Yes,  don't  you  agree? 

Crispin.  Indeed  I  do!  Tell  me,  La  Branche, 
what  are  you  doing  in  Paris?  Where  are  you  going 
now? 

La  Branche.  (Pointing  to  the  house  of  Mon- 
sieur Oronte)     To  that  house. 

Crispin.    To  Monsieur  Oronte's  house? 

La  Branche.  Llis  daughter  is  going  to  marry 
Damis. 

Crispin.    Angelique — and  your  master? 

La  Branche.  Monsieur  Orgon,  Damis's  father, 
came  to  Paris  two  weeks  ago — I  was  with  him. 
We  went  to  see  Monsieur  Oronte,  who  is  an  old 
friend,  and  they  arranged  this  marriage. 

Crispin.    Is  it  settled? 

La  Branche.  Yes,  the  contract  has  been  signed 
by  the  two  fathers  and  by  Madame  Oronte.  The 
dov/ry,  which  is  fixed  at  twenty  thousand  crowns — 
cash  down — is  all  ready.  They  are  now  waiting 
only  for  Damis's  arrival. 

Crispin.  In  that  event,  my  master  must  seek 
elsewhere  for  his  fortune. 

La  Branche.    Your  master? 

Crispin.  He  is  in  love  with  Angelique ;  but  since 
Damis 

La  Branche.  Damis  will  never  marry  Angeli- 
que ;  there  is  a  minor  detail 

Crispin.    What  is  it? 

La  Branche.  While  his  father  was  marrying 
him  here,  he  married  himself  at  Chartres. 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER,     ii 

Crispin.    How  is  that? 

La  Branche.  He  was  in  love  with  a  young  lady 
of  good  birth  and  education,  and  he  married  her. 

Crispin.    That's  different. 

La  Branche.  I  have  come  here  to  take  back  the 
word  of  Monsieur  Orgon. 

Crispin.    Have  you  come  to  do  that? 

La  Branche.  That's  my  reason.  {He  is  about 
to  go  out  when  Crispin  detains  him) 

Crispin.  One  moment.  La  Branche.  I  have  an 
idea.  Tell  me  now,  does  your  master  know  Mon- 
sieur Oronte  ? 

La  Branche.    He  has  never  seen  him. 

Crispin.  I  have  a  scheme,  then,  if  you  care  to 
help  me — But,  I  imagine  that  after  your  adventure 
in  jail,  you  haven't  the  courage? 

La  Branche.  No,  no,  tell  me.  A  good  sailor  is 
never  afraid  of  the  sea,  no  matter  how  many  times 
he  has  been  wrecked.  Tell  me,  what  is  your  idea? 
Would  you  like  to  pass  your  master  off  as  Damis, 
and  have  him  marry ? 

Crispin.  My  master?  Nonsense!  I  have  some- 
one else  in  mind — far  better  suited  to  the  girl. 

La  Branche.    Who? 

Crispin.    Myself. 

La  Branche.  The  devil !  You're  right,  though ; 
the  idea  is  an  inspiration. 

Crispin.  I'm  as  much  in  love  with  her  as  my 
master  is. 

La  Branche.    Good ! 

Crispin.    I  shall  take  the  name  of  Damis. 

La  Branche.    Splendid ! 

Crispin.    And  marry  Angelique. 

La  Branche.    You  have  my  consent. 

Crispin.    And  the  dowry  shall  be  mine. 

La  Branche.    Magnificent ! 

Crispin.  And  I  shall  disappear  before  any 
questions  are  asked. 


12     CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

La  Branche.  Explain  that  a  little  more  care- 
fully. 

Crispin.    Why  ? 

La  Branche.  You  talk  of  disappearing  with  the 
dowry,  and  I  heard  no  mention  of  myself.  Will 
you  please  make  the  necessary  corrections? 

Crispin.    We  shall  disappear  together. 

La  Branche.  On  those  conditions,  I  am  with 
you.  The  scheme  is  rather  bold,  I  will  say,  but  I 
feel  my  courage  rising :  I  am  ready  for  affairs  on  a 
grand  scale.     Where  shall  we  hide  the  dowry? 

Crispin.     Far  away  in  the  country  somewhere? 

La  Branche.  I  prefer  it  to  be  outside  of  France. 
What  do  you  say  ? 

Crispin.  We'll  see.  Now  tell  me  something 
about  Monsieur  Oronte. 

La  Branche.    He's  a  simple  old  tradesman. 

Crispin.    And  Madame  Oronte? 

La  Branche.  Somewhere  between  twenty-five 
and  sixty.  Very  much  in  love  with  herself,  and  so 
fickle  that  she  agrees  and  disagrees  at  the  same 
moment. 

Crispin.  That's  enough.  Now  we  must  have 
some  clothes 

La  Branche.  You  may  use  my  master's. 
(Looking  at  Crispin)     Yes,  they  will  fit  you. 

Crispin.    He  has  a  good  figure ! 

La  Branche.  Sh!  Someone  is  coming  out  of 
Monsieur's  Oronte's  house!  Let's  go  to  the  inn  for 
further  deliberation. 

Crispin.  I  must  first  go  to  my  master.  I  shall 
get  him  to  keep  away  from  Monsieur  Oronte's 
house  for  a  few  days.  I'll  soon  be  with  you.  (He 
goes  out  one  side,  La  Branche  the  other) 

(Enter  Angelique  from  her  house,  follozved  by 
Lisette.  ) 

Angelique.     Yes,  Lisette,  ever  since  Valere  let 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.     13 

me  see  he  loved  me,  I  have  been  eating  my  heart 
out.  I  know  if  I  marry  Damis  I  shall  never  spend 
a  happy  day. 

LiSETTE.     Valere  is  indeed  dangerous ! 

Angelioue.  I  am  so  unhappy !  What  can  I  do? 
Tell  me,  Lisette?    Tell  me,  I  beg  you. 

LiSETTE.  I  can  only  advise  you  to  do  one  of  two 
things :  either  forget  Valere,  or  rebel  against  your 
father's  authority.  You  love  far  too  deeply  to 
follow  the  first,  and  I  hardly  dare  advise  you  to 
follow  the  other.     It's  very  embarrassing. 

Angelioue.    Lisette,  what  can  I  do? 

Lisette.  One  moment ;  possibly  I  can  reconcile 
your  love  and  my  conscience.  •  Let  us  find  your 
mother. 

Angelique.    What  can  v/e  say  to  her  ? 

Lisette.  Tell  her  the  whole  truth.  She  likes 
flattery  and  affection :  let  us  therefore  be  flattering 
and  affectionate.  She  has  your  best  interests  at 
heart,  and  perhaps  she  will  induce  Monsieur  Oronte 
to  take  back  his  word  ? 

Angelique.  You  are  right,  Lisette,  but  I  am 
afraid — (She  hesitates) 

Lisette.    Yes  ? 

Angelique.  You  know  my  mother — she  is  so 
uncertain ! 

Lisette.  Yes,  she  inclines  to  agree  with  the  per- 
son who  last  spoke  to  her.  Never  mind,  let  us  con- 
fide in  her.  {Seeing  Madame  Oronte  coming  in 
their  direction)  Here  she  is.  Hide  for  the  time 
being;  when   I  want  you   I   shall  signal   for  you. 

(Angelique  retires  to  the  back  of  the  stage.    Enter 
Madame  Oronte.) 

Lisette.  My  dear  Madame  Oronte !  I  was  just 
saying  that  you  were  one  of  the  most  kindly  and 
amiable  women  in  Paris ! 

Madame  Oronte.     Ah,  you  flatter  me,  Lisette! 


14     CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

LiSETTE.  Ah,  IMadame !  A  sharp-witted  woman 
like  yourself  cannot  think  that  I  would  flatter  you? 

Madame  Oronte.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  Lisette, 
I  am  not  like  other  woman.  I  am  always  guided  by 
reason  in  whatever  I  do. 

Lisette.    I  am  fully  aware  of  that. 

Madame  Oronte.    I  am  not  at  all  capricious. 

Lisette.  You  are  also  the  best  mother  in  the 
world.  I  would  wager  that  if  you  were  to  learn 
that  your  daughter  had  the  slightest  repugnance  for 
Damis  you  would  not  allow  her  to  marry  him. 

Madame  Oronte.  I  should  not  think  of  it !  My 
dear  child !  But  tell  me,  Lisette,  has  she  any  aver- 
sion to  him  ? 

Lisette.    Well 

Madame  Oronte.  You  must  hide  nothing  from 
me! 

Lisette.  Since  you  insist,  Madame,  I  will  say 
that  she  is  ill  at  the  idea  of  this  union. 

Madame  Oronte.  Perhaps  she  is  already  in 
love? 

Lisette.  That  is  to  be  expected,  Madame. 
When  a  young  girl  despises  the  man  her  parents 
have  chosen  for  her,  it  means  that  she  is  already  in 
love.  For  instance,  you  told  me  that  the  first  time 
Monsieur  Oronte  was  thought  of  as  a  husband  for 
you,  you  were  in  love  with  an  officer  who  died  at  the 
Siege  of  Candy. 

Madame  Oronte.  That's  so,  and  if  the  poor  boy 
had  lived  I  should  never  have  married  Monsieur 
Oronte. 

Lisette.  Well,  Mademoiselle  is  in  the  same  posi- 
tion as  you — before  the  Siege  of  Candy. 

Madame  Oronte.  And  who  is  the  fortunate 
man? 

Lisette.  The  young  man  who  has  been  here  so 
often  recently. 

Madame  Oronte.    What?    Valere? 

Lisette.    Yes. 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.     15 

Madame  Oronte.  Now  I  remember.  How  he 
looked  at  Angelique  and  me  yesterday !  But  are 
you  positive,  Lisette  ?  Is  he  in  love  with  my  daugh- 
ter, and  not 

Lisette.  (Beckoning  to  Angelique)  Yes, 
Madame.  He  told  me  so  himself,  and  asked  me  to 
come  on  his  behalf  and  find  out  whether  he  might 
ask  for  Mademoiselle's  hand  in  person. 

Angelique.  (Coming  down  to  Lisette  and  her 
mother)  I  beg  your  pardon,  Madame,  if  you  do 
not  approve  of  my  sentiments,  but  you  know 

Madame  Oronte.  You  know  I  am  a  good 
mother  to  you,  and  while  a  daughter  should  never 
show  any  signs  of  her  feelings  in  the  presence  of 
her  parents,  I  sympathize  with  you.  Yes,  I  ap- 
prove of  Valere. 

Angelique.  I  can't  tell  vou  how  I  appreciate 
this ! 

Lisette.  (To  Madame  Oronte)  Now,  you 
know,  Madame,  that  Monsieur  Oronte  is  accus- 
tomed to  have  his  own  ideas  about  things,  and  if 
you  fail  to  insist 

Madame  Oronte.  Have  no  fear  about  that;  I 
take  the  lovers  under  my  protection.  I  promise 
that  she  shall  marry  no  one  else  but  Valere. 
(Catching  sight  of  her  husband)  Here  comes 
Monsieur  Oronte.    Just  see  how  firm  I  can  be ! 

(Enter  Monsieur  Oronte.) 

Madame  Oronte.  (To  her  husband)  I  am 
glad  to  see  you.  Monsieur ;  you  are  just  in  time.  I 
want  to  say  that  I  don't  agree  to  the  marriage. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Might  I  know,  Madame, 
your  reasons  ?    Why  have  you  changed  your  mind  ? 

Madame  Oronte.  I  have  someone  else  in  mind 
for  Angelique — a  more  advantageous  match.  Of 
course,  he  is  not  so  rich  as  Damis,  but  he  is  a  born 
gentleman.  He  makes  up  in  nobility  what  he  lacks 
in  wealth. 


i6     CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

LiSETTE.     (Aside)     Good! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  (To  his  wife)  I  like 
Valere,  and  in  spite  of  his  poverty,  I  should  will- 
ingly allow  him  to  marry  Angelique,  but  it  is  out  of 
the  question. 

Madame  Oronte.     How  is  that,  may  I  ask? 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Do  you  expect  me  to  break 
my  word  with  Monsieur  Orgon,  an  old  friend  of 
the  family? 

Madame  Oronte.    Well 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Why  offer  him  that  insult  ? 
Think  of  it,  the  contract  is  signed,  every  prepara- 
tion made,  and  we  are  only  waiting  for  Damis.  We 
have  gone  too  far  to  retract. 

Madame  Oronte.  Of  course,  I  had  not  thought 
of  that. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  You  are  too  reasonable,  my 
dear,  to  oppose  this  marriage ! 

Madame  Oronte.    But  I  am  not  opposing  it ! 

LisETTE.  (Aside)  Good  Heavens!  Is  she  a 
woman  ?    She  doesn't  even  contradict ! 

Madame  Oronte.  You  see,  Lisette,  I  did  what 
I  could  for  Valere. 

Lisette.  Really?  You  are  a  marvelous  pro- 
tector ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  (Seeing  La  Branche) 
There  is  Damis's  valet. 

(Enter  La  Branche.) 

La  Branche.  Yotir  very  humble  servant. 
Monsieur — Madame.  (To  Angelique)  Ma- 
demoiselle Angelique!     (To  Lisette)     Lisette. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Well,  La  Branche,  what 
news  ? 

La  Branche.  Monsieur  Damis  has  just  arrived 
from  Chartres.     He  is  following  me. 

Angelique.    Oh,  great  Heavens  ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.     (To  La  Branche)     I  was 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.     17 

looking  for  him.  But  tell  me,  why  did  he  not  come 
straight  to  me?  Why  this  ceremony  with  his 
father-in-law  to-be? 

La  Branche.  Oh,  Monsieur,  he  has  no  wash  to 
appear  at  all  familiar.  He  has  the  best  manners  of 
any  man  in  France. 

Madame  Oronte.    Is  he  polite? 

La  Branche.  And  so  virtuous.  Madame!  Be- 
yond words^r^Ionsieur  Oronte.  Is  not  Monsieur 
Orgon  with  him  t 

La  Branche.  No,  Monsieur.  A  painful  attack 
of  gout  prevented  his  setting  foot  out  of  the  house. 

Monsieur  Oronte.    Poor  man ! 

La  Branche.  The  attack  came  on  on  the  eve  of 
departure.  Plere  is  a  letter  from  him.  {He  takes 
a  letter  from  his  pocket  and  gives  it  to  Orgon) 

Monsieur  Oronte.  {Reading  the  address) 
"  To  Monsieur  Craquet,  I)octor,  in  the  Rue  du 
Sepulcre " 

La  Branche.  {Taking  hack  the  letter)  That's 
not  the  one.  Monsieur ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.      {Laughing)     Ha,  ha,  ha! 

La  Branche.  {Pulling  forth  several  letters 
from  his  pocket,  and  reading  the  addresses)  I  have 
a  great  many  letters  here — Let  me  see — no,  not 
that !  Hm  !  Nor  this  one  !— Ah — "  To  Monsieur 
Oronte."  Here  it  is.  {He  hands  the  letter  to 
Monsieur  Oronte)  Llis  hand  was  trembHng  so 
that  you  v,m11  scarcely  recognize  the  handwriting! 

Monsieur  Oronte.    No,  I  can't. 

La  Branche.  Gout  is  a  fearful  disease!  Hea- 
ven preserve  you  from  it.  Monsieur,  and  you,  Ma- 
dame, and  Mademoiselle  Angelique — and  Lisette ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  {Reading  the  letter)  "  I 
had  fully  intended  to  go  with  Damis,  but  I  was  pre- 
vented by  an  attack  of  gout.  Still,  as  my  presence 
in  Paris  is  not  imperative,  and,  not  wishing  to  re- 
tard the  marriage,  I  send  you  my  son  alone.  Be  a 
father  to  him.     I  leave  everything  in  your  hands. 


i8     CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

Your  affectionate  and  humble  servant,  Orgon." 
(With  a  sigh)  How  I  pity  him!  {Catching  sight 
of  Crispin,  zuho  wears  Damis's  clothes)  Who  is 
this  young  man  ?    Is  that  Damis  ? 

La  Branche.  No  other.  {To  Madame 
Oronte)  What  do  you  say,  Madame?  Is  he  not 
attractive  ? 

AIadame  Oronte.    He's  not  homely,  at  least ! 

{Enter  Crispin.) 

Crispin.     {To  La  Branche)     La  Branche! 

La  Branche.    Monsieur? 

Crispin.  {Pointing  to  Monsieur  Oronte)  Is 
this  my  honored  father-in-law.  Monsieur  Oronte? 

La  Branche.    It  is. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  {As  he  embraces  Crispin) 
Welcome,  my  dear  son-in-law. 

Crispin.  I  am  truly  happy  to  be  able  to  stand  in 
your  presence  and  express  to  you  my  deepest  grati- 
tude. {Looking  toward  Madame  Oronte)  This, 
no  doubt,  is  the  charming  Mademoiselle  Angelique? 

Monseeur  Oronte.  No,  that  is  my  wife. 
{Pointing  to  Angelique)  Here  is  my  daughter 
Angelique 

Crispin.  What  a  handsome  and  distinguished- 
looking  faniily !  Could  I  but  marry  mother  and 
daughter ! 

Madame  Oronte.  How  gallant !  {Aside  to 
Lisette)    He  is  clever,  Lisette  ! 

Crispin.  {To  Madame  Oronte)  My  father 
w^as  right  when  he  said  that  Madame  Oronte's 
beauty  was  beyond  description. 

IVIadame  Oronte.    Dear  me! 

Crispin.  How  I  wish,  he  said,  that  she  were  a 
widow,  and  I  might  marry  her ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  {Laughing)  I  am  deeply 
obliged ! 

Madame   Oronte.      {To   Crispin)      I  think  a 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.     19 

great  deal  of  yotir  father.  I  am  heart-broken  that 
he  was  unable  to  come  with  you. 

Crispin.  How  heart-broken  he  was,  not  to  be 
present  for  the  ceremony !  He  was  looking  for- 
ward with  the  keenest  of  pleasure  to  dancing  with 
Madame  Oronte ! 

La  Branche.  {To  Monsieur  Oronte)  And 
he  asks  you  to  hasten  the  ceremony,  for  he  is  im- 
patient to  have  his  daughter-in-law  with  him. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Everything  is  prepared,  and 
w^e  have  only  to  pay  the  dowry  and  get  the  priest. 

Crispin.  {To  Monsieur  Oronte)  Will  you 
allow  me  a  word  with  my  valet  ?  {To 'La  Branche) 
Go  to  the  Marquis' — {Aside  to  La  Branche) 
Get  ready  the  coach  and  horses  for  to-night — un- 
derstand?—  {Aloud)  And  convey  to  him  my  very 
best  compliments. 

La  Branche.     {As  he  leaves)     I  fly ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  {To  Crispin)  Tell  me 
something,  I  pray,  about  your  father.  How  is  his 
law-suit  proceeding  ? 

Crispin.     {Embarrassed)     La  Branche! 

Monsieur  Oronte.    What  is  the  trouble  ? 

Crispin.  I  forgot  to  tell  something  to  La 
Branche. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  He  will  return  shortly. 
Now,  the  law-suit  ?    Is  it  over  yet  ? 

Crispin.    Thank  Heaven,  it  is. 

Monsieur  Oronte.    Did  you  win? 

Crispin.    Yes — and  without  costs. 

Monsieur  Oronte.    I  am  delighted  to  hear  it. 

Madame  Oronte.     Heaven  be  praised ! 

Crispin.  It  was  a  very  troublesome  affair  for 
him.  He  would  rather  have  lost  all  his  fortune 
than  be  put  in  the  wrong  about  it. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  It  must  have  cost  a  great 
deal? 

Crispin.  It  assuredly  did,  but  Justice  is  a  sub- 
lime institution,  and  one  cannot  pay  too  dear  for  it. 


20     CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Right!  But  it  must  have 
been  very  painful  all  the  same. 

Crispin.  Yes,  his  opponent  was  the  greatest 
rascal  imaginable.    A  man  who 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Man?  I  thought  it  was  a 
woman  ? 

Crispin.  Yes,  but  her  affairs  were  in  the  hands 
of  a  scamp  of  a  Norman ;  he  was  her  counsel.  But 
you  know,  I  dislike  speaking  of  these  disagreeable 
things.    Let  us  discuss  the  wedding. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Then  come  with  us  into  the 
house.    We  can  then  see  about  the  preparations. 

Crispin.  {To  Madame  Oronte,  offering  his 
arm)     Madame. 

Madame  Oronte.  (To  her  daughter)  You  are 
very  much  to  be  envied,  my  dear.  Damis  is  delight- 
ful. 

(Monsieur  and   Madame  Oronte  go  into   their 
house,  accompanied  by  Crispin.) 

Angelioue.     What  is  to  become  of  me? 

LiSETTE.  You  will  become  the  wife  of  Mon- 
sieur Damis. 

Angelique.  (Weeping)  Ah,  Lisette,  you  know 
how  I  feel.    Can't  you  sympathize  ? 

Lisette.     (Weeping  likezvise)     Poor  dear! 

Angelique.    You  won't  leave  me? 

Lisette.     My  heart  is  breaking! 

Angelique.    Dear  Lisette ! 

Lisette.  Say  no  more.  I'm  so  sorry  that  I'm 
afraid  I  might  give  you  wicked  advice,  which  you 
are  sure  to  follow. 

(Enter  Valere.) 

Valere.  (At  first  not  seeing  Angelique) 
Why  did  Crispin  ask  me  not  to  come  here  for 
several  days?  I  fear  he  is  up  to  some  trick.  This 
doubt  is  getting  on  my  nerves. 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.     21 

LiSETTE.  {To  Angelique,  as  she  sees  Valere) 
Here  is  Valere ! 

Valere.  (Aside,  as  he  catches  sight  of  An- 
gelique)  It's  she!  {To  Angelique)  My  dear 
Angelique,  tell  me,  what  hope  is  there?  An- 
gelique and  Lisette  zvipe  their  eyes)  You  are 
weeping  ? 

Lisette.    Yes,  Monsieur,  your  rival  is  here. 

Valere.    What? 

Lisette.  He  is  to  marry  Angelique  this  very 
evening. 

Valere.     Merciful  Heaven! 

Lisette.     Alas ! 

Valere.  But  tell  me,  Lisette,  who  is  the  happy 
rival  ? 

Lisette.    His  name  is  Damis. 

Valere.    Damis  ? 

Lisette.    He  comes  from  Chartres. 

Valere.  The  only  Damis  I  know  in  that  district 
is  the  son  of  a  Monsieur  Orgon. 

Lisette.    He  is  the  one. 

Valere.  If  he  is  the  only  one  to  fear,  I  am  re- 
assured. 

Angelique.    How  is  that? 

Valere.  Damis  was  married  at  Chartres  a  week 
ago. 

Lisette.     Miraculous ! 

x\ngelique.  {To  Valere)  You  are  surely  jok- 
ing ?    Damis  is  here,  ready  to  marry  me. 

Lisette.  {To  Valere)  He  is  now  in  the  house 
with  Monsieur  and  Madame  Oronte. 

Valere.  But  Damis  is  a  friend  of  mine,  and  he 
wrote  me  a  week  ago.  I  have  the  letter  at  my 
house. 

Angelique.    What  does  he  say? 

Valere.  That  he  was  secretly  married  at 
Chartres — the  girl  is  of  noble  birth. 

Lisette.    Married  secretly?    We  must  look  into 


22     CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

this.  Quick,  go  and  get  the  letter,  and  lose  no  time 
about  it. 

Valere.  I  shall  return  in  a  moment,  {lie  goes 
out) 

LiSETTE.  This  will  at  least  delay  the  wedding. 
(As  Monsieur  Oronte  enters  from  his  house  and 
sees  Valere  in  the  distance,  she  continues)  There 
is  Monsieur  Oronte.  I'll  tell  him  the  news,  while 
you  go  to  your  mother. 

(Angelique  goes  into  her  house.) 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Valere  has  just  been  here, 
Lisette. 

Lisette.  Yes,  Monsieur,  and  he  has  informed 
me  that  Damis  is  married  already :  a  woman  of 
quality  at  Chartres. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  But  how  can  that  be, 
Lisette  ? 

Lisette,  Damis  himself  wrote  the  news  to 
Valere. 

Monsieur  Oronte.     Ridiculous!     Impossible! 

Lisette.  No,  Monsieur,  I  assure  you;  Valere 
has  gone  to  get  the  letter,  which  he  will  read  to  you. 

Monsieur  Oronte.    I  can't  believe  it ! 

Lisette.  Aren't  young  people  nowadays  capable 
of  doing  anything? 

Monsieur  Oronte.  It  is  true,  they  aren't  what 
they  were  in  my  day ! 

Lisette.  How  do  we  know  that  Damis  is  not  one 
of  those  scoundrels  who  run  after  dowries.  But  if 
he  is  already  married,  this  wedding  will  certainly 
get  you  into  trouble. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  We  must  of  course  look 
into  this. 

Lisette.  Look  into  it?  I  should  think  so!  It 
is  your  duty  to  do  so ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  You  are  right — (Catching 
sight  of  La  Branche,  who  enters  at  the  back) 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.     23 

There  is  his  valet.  Go  in,  Lisette,  and  leave  me 
alone  with  him. 

Lisette.  (Aside,  as  she  goes  into  the  house) 
Good ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Come  here,  La  Branche. 
You  look  like  an  honest  man. 

La  Branche.    Oh,  Monsieur,  I  try  my  best ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  I  am  glad  to  hear  it.  Listen 
to  me :  your  master  seems  to  me  a  rather  un- 
scrupulous fellow. 

La  Branche.  Ah,  Monsieur,  he  is  exceedingly 
popular.  Monsieur  Orgon  assures  you  that  in 
marrying  him  off  he  is  assuring  some  thirty  women 
of  their  peace  of  mind. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Hm !  I  hear  he  has  married 
a  woman  of  rank? 

La  Branche.    What's  that? 

Monsieur  Oronte.  You  must  tell  me  the  truth, 
young  man.  I  know  that  Damis  is  married — he 
wedded  a  lady  of  quality  a  week  ago  at  Chartres. 

La  Branche.     (Aside)     Ouf! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  You  see,  I  know  the  facts. 
You  are  a  rascal ! 

La  Branche.    I,  Monsieur? 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Yes,  you.  I'm  going  to 
punish  you  as  an  accomplice. 

La  Branche.  I  declare  I  don't  understand  a 
word  of  what  you  say ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Do  you  still  make  believe 
3^ou  don't  know?  If  you  don't  confess  everything 
this  instant,  I'll  put  you  into  the  hands  of  the  law. 

La  Branche.  Do  what  you  please,  Monsieur,  I 
have  nothing  to  confess. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  You  won't  speak?  (Call- 
ing)    Hello,  there!     Officer! 

La  Branche.  One  moment.  Monsieur,  don't 
make  so  much  noise,  I  pray  you.  Let  us  discuss  the 
question  in  an  orderly  and  reasonable  way.  You 
say  that  my  master  was  married ? 


24     CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  He  wrote  that  to  one  of  his 
friends,  a  certain  Valere. 

La  Branche.    Valere  ?    Ha,  ha,  ha ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  What  is  the  meaning  of 
this  ? 

La  Branche.     (Laughing)     That's  good! 

Monsieur  Oronte.    I  fail  to  see  the  point. 

La  Branche.  Let  me  tell  you.  To  begin  with, 
Valere  is  in  love  with  your  daughter. 

Monsieur  Oronte.    I  know  that. 

La  Branche.  Lisette  is  in  sympathy  with  her 
love,  and  has  doubtless  devised  this  plan  to  pre- 
vent your  daughter's  marriage  with  my  master. 

Monsieur  Oronte.    Hm — well ? 

La  Branche.  Seeing  my  master  arrive,  they 
have  simply  circulated  the  report  that  he  was  al- 
ready  married.     Valere  produces   the   false   letter 

Monsieur  Oronte.  (In  an  undertone)  Per- 
haps  

La  Branche.  Meantime  Lisette  and  your 
daughter  scheme  a  little,  and  behold  Valere  as  your 
son-in-law ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  That  doesn't  sound  so  un- 
reasonable ! 

La  Branche.  I  know  how  wise  you  are.  Mon- 
sieur, in  these  affairs ;  you  won't  allow  yourself  to 
be  deceived. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Indeed  I  shan't.  Valere  is 
a  rascal.  Why,  I  doubt  whether  he  even  knows 
Damis ! 

La  Branche.  I  doubt  it,  too!  Ah,  Monsieur, 
nothing  escapes  you ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  True!  (Seeing  Crispin, 
who  has  entered)  There  is  your  master. — Ha,  ha, 
ha !    He  married  !    The  idea  !    Ha,  ha,  ha ! 

La  Branche.    Pla,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha ! 

(Enter  Crispin.) 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.    25 

Monsieur  Oronte.  {To  Crispin,  as  he  laughs) 
Think  what  they  have  been  saying  of  you  1  You — 
you  are  already  married  !  Ha,  ha !  Married  secretly 
at  Chartres  !    Ha,  ha  ! 

La  Branche.  {Making  signs  to  Crispin)  Ha, 
ha,  ha ! 

Crispin.    Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha  !    What  a  capital  joke ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.    Think  of  it! 

Crispin.  I  wonder  who  could  have  circulated  so 
ridiculous  a  story  ? 

La  Branche.  Monsieur  says  it  was  a  certain 
Valere. 

Crispin.    Valere?    Who  is  Valere? 

La  Branche.  {To  Monsieur  Oronte)  You 
see.  Monsieur?  He  doesn't  know  him!  {To 
Crispin)  You  remember — I  told  him  he  was  your 
rival  ? 

Crispin.    Ah,  now  I  remember. 

La  Branche.     A  clever  dog! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  {To  Crispin)  Damis,  I 
have  an  offer  to  make  you.  How  would  you  like  to 
take  my  house  in  the  Faubourg  Saint-Germain 
instead  of  the  twenty  thousand  crowns'  dowry? 
It  cost  me  eighty  thousand  to  build. 

Crispin.  Of  course — well — ready  money  is 
more  convenient,  is  it  not? 

Monsieur  Oronte.    Yes — it  is. 

Crispin.  You  see,  I  want  to  buy  some  attractive 
property  in  the  neighborhood  of  Chartres. 

La  Branche.  {To  Monsieur  Oronte)  You 
should  see  it.  Monsieur.    It  is  superb ! 

Crispin.  {To  Monsieur  Oronte)  It  costs  only 
twenty-five  thousand  crowns,  and  is  worth  at  least 
sixty. 

La  Branche.    At  least,  Monsieur. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Well,  you  can't  allow  an 
excellent  opportunity  like  that  to  slip  through  your 
fingers.    I  have  fifty  thousand  in  reserve  with  which 


26     CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

I  was  going  to  buy  a  chateau,  but  I  shall  be  glad  to 
let  you  have  half  that  amount. 

Crispin.  (Embracing  Monsieur  Oronte)  How 
good  you  are,  Monsieur !  I  shall  never  forget  this ! 
Ah,  I^am 

La  Branche.  Monsieur  is  the  prince  of  fathers- 
in-law. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  I  shall  now  get  the  money 
for  you.    But  I  must  consult  my  wife  first. 

Crispin.  Valere's  creditors  will  all  hang  them- 
selves ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Let  them !  I  insist  on  your 
marrying  my  daughter  in  an  hour's  time. 

Crispin.    Splendid ! 

La  Branche.  What  a  blow  to  Valere !  Ha,  ha, 
ha! 

(Monsieur  Oronte  goes  into  his  house.) 

Crispin.  Valere  must  have  seen  Angelique.  He 
knows  Damis,  too. 

La  Branche.  He  does — intimately.  Thanks  to 
me,  however,  Monsieur  Oronte  thinks  that  Valere  is 
playing  a  trick  on  him.  We  must  get  the  dowry  at 
once  and  then  make  away  with  it. 

Crispin.     (Seeing  Valere)     The  devil ! 

La  Branche.    The  devil! 

(Enter  Valere  at  the  back,  with  a  letter  in  his 
hand. ) 

Valere.  (Seeing  Crispin,  but  not  recognizing 
him)  Is  that  Damis?  (Approaches  Crispin  and 
recognizes  him)    You ? ! 

Crispin.  I.  What  the  devil  are  you  doing  here? 
Did  I  not  tell  you  to  keep  away?  Now  you  will 
spoil  all  I  have  been  doing  for  you. 

Valere.  There  is  no  use  now,  Crispin.  I  know 
who  my  rival  is ;  it  is  Damis.  But  there  is  nothing 
to  fear,  as  he  is  already  married. 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.     27 

Crispin.  Is  Damis  married?  (Pointing  to  La 
Branche)  But  here  is  his  valet;  he  will  tell  you 
the  truth. 

Valere.  Then  has  Damis  lied?  Why  did  he 
write  this  letter?  (He  unfolds  the  letter  and 
reads)  "  Chartres.  This  is  to  inform  you  that  I 
am  married.  The  ceremony  was  secretly  performed. 
I  am  coming  to  Paris  very  shortly  and  shall  at  that 
time  give  you  further  details.    Damis." 

La  Branche.  Now  I  see  it,  Monsieur.  At  the 
time  that  letter  was  written  my  master  was  thinking 
of  this  marriage,  but  as  a  matter  of  fact,  it  did  not 
take  place. 

Valere.    So  he  is  not  married  after  all? 

Crispin.     No  indeed! 

Valere.  My  dear  friends,  then  help  me !  Tell 
me,  Crispin,  what  have  you  been  planning?  Why 
are  you  disguised? 

Crispin.  Your  rival  has  not  yet  appeared  in 
Paris,  but  he  will  be  here  in  a  day  or  two.  Mean- 
time I  intend  to  dissuade  Monsieur  Oronte  from  the 
union. 

Valere.     How  ? 

Crispin.  By  passing  myself  off  for  Damis.  I 
make  myself  appear  extravagant,  foolish,  and  I 
hope  before  long  to  make  the  entire  family  heartily 
sick  of  me.  You  know  how  Madame  Oronte  loves 
flattery?  Well,  I  tell  her  things  in  a  most  blunt 
manner.  I  intend  to  be  chased  away  by  the  old 
man,  after  inducing  him  to  give  his  daughter  to  you. 

Valere.    And  where  does  Lisette  come  in  ? 

Crispin.     She  is  with  us. 

Valere.  Crispin,  I  shall  be  eternally  grateful  to 
you  for  this.  And  to  you,  too.  La  Branche.  Now  I 
must  go.    My  fate  is  in  your  hands. 

Crispin.  Hurry,  though!  (Valere  goes  out) 
Ah,  I  can  breathe  freely  now. 

La  Branche.  That  was  a  narrow  escape.  I  was 
afraid  Oronte  might  come  any  moment. 


2S    CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

Crispin.  I,  too.  Now  for  success  I  Have  you 
ordered  the  horses  for  to-night? 

La  Branche.     (Looking  into  the  distance)    Yes. 

Crispin.  Good.  I  think  we  should  drive  straight 
for  Flanders. 

La  Branche.  (Nervously,  as  he  still  strains  his 
eyes)     Flanders  ?    Yes,  that's  the  best  road. 

Crispin,    What  the  deuce  are  you  looking  at? 

La  Branche.    I — think — it's  he  I 

Crispin.    Who? 

La  Branche.     It's  Orgon  ! 

Crispin.    Damis's  father? 

La  Branche.    The  same. 

Crispin.    Curse  his  impudence ! 

La  Branche.  Everything  seems  to  conspire  to 
keep  the  dowry  from  us ! 

Crispin.     He's  coming  this  way!     Oh,  Lord! 

La  Branche.  We  must  stop  him.  Go  to  the  inn 
and  wait  for  me.     (Crispin  goes  out) 

(Enter  Monsieur  Orgon.) 

Monsieur  Orgon.  (Not  seeing  La  Branche) 
I  wonder  what  Madame  Oronte  will  say? 

La  Branche.  (Approaching  him  and  bozving) 
Your  most  humble  servant.  Monsieur  Orgon, 

Monsieur  Orgon.    Ah,  La  Branche. 

La  Branche.    We  had  no  idea  you  were  coming ! 

Monsieur  Orgon.  I  left  Chartrcs  shortly  after 
you,  because  I  thought  it  wiser  to  speak  to  Monsieur 
Oronte  myself. 

La  Branche.  Most  honorable  of  you,  I  am  sure. 
You  are  looking  for  Madame  Oronte,  are  you  not  ? 

]Monsieur  Orgon.     I  am. 

La  Branche.  Then  thank  Providence  for  send- 
ing me  in  your  way. 

Monsieur  Orgon.    Have  you  already  seen  her? 

La  Branche.  I  have — I  saw  the  whole  family. 
]\Iadame  is  furious  with  you. 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.     29 

Monsieur  Orgon.    With  me? 

La  Branche.  Yes.  "What!"  she  said,  "does 
Monsieur  Orgon  take  back  his  pledged  word  ?  Who 
would  have  believed  it  ?  " 

Monsieur  Orgon.    Indeed ! 

La  Branche.  I  could  not  make  her  listen  to 
reason.  She  was  actually  out  of  her  mind  with 
rage. 

Monsieur  Orgon.  But  what  about  Monsieur 
O  route  ? 

La  Branche.  He  was  not  so  violent.  He  only 
struck  me  twice. 

Monsieur  Orgon.  I  am  astonished.  La  Branche. 
Did  you  not  explain  everything  ? 

La  Branche.  Everything.  But  if  you  take  my 
advice.  Monsieur,  you  will  return  at  once  to 
Chartres. 

Monsieur  Orgon.  (Taking  a  step  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Monsieur  Orgon's  house)  No,  La 
Branche,  I  must  see  them,  and  make  clear 

La  Branche.  (Detaining  him)  Don't  enter 
that  house.  Monsieur;  I  really  cannot  allow  you  to 
risk  your  life. 

Monsieur  Orgon.    You  may  be  right. 

La  Branche.  Wait  at  least  until  to-morrow. 
They  may  be  in  a  more  tractable  mood. 

Monsieur  Orgon.  You  are  right.  Well,  I'll 
follow  your  advice. 

La  Branche.    Do  as  you  please ;  you  are  master. 

Monsieur  Orgon.  No,  no,  I'll  see  them  to- 
morrow. 

La  Branche.    I  shall  be  with  you  soon.  Monsieur. 

(Monsieur  Orgon  goes  out.) 

La  Branche.  Now  for  Crispin.  But — I  don't 
see  why  I  should  divide  that  dowry  with  him  ?  But 
how  can  I  get  away  from  Crispin?  ^He  and 
Angelique  must  not  leave  Paris  to-night — mean- 
time I  can  make  off  with  the  monev. 


30     CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER. 

(Enter    Monsieur    Oronte    and    Lisette.      La 
Bran  CHE  leaves.) 

Lisette.  I  repeat,  Monsieur,  Valere  is  a  man  of 
honor,  and  you  ought  to 

Monsieur  Oronte.  I  know  you  are  intriguing 
for  Valere,  and  I  regret  that  you  have  thought  of 
nothing  better  than  that  story  of  Damis's  marriage. 

Lisette.     Don't  you  beheve.  Monsieur ? 

Monsieur  Oronte.  No,  Lisette,  I  do  not  be- 
lieve. You  may  tell  Valere  for  me  that  he  will 
never  be  my  son-in-law.  (Monsieur  Oronte  goes 
out) 

Lisette.  What  does  it  all  mean  ?  There  is  some- 
thing I  don't  know  about ! 

Enter  Valere. 

Lisette.    Oh,  Monsieur ? 

Valere.     Well,  Lisette? 

Lisette.  Where  have  you  been  all  the  while,  and 
where  is  the  letter  from  Damis  ? 

Valere.  {Taking  the  letter  from  his  pocket  and 
shozving  it  to  her)  Here  it  is.  Tell  me,  how  are 
things  going  ?    How  is  Crispin's  plan  ? 

Lisette.    Crispin  ?    Who  is  he  ? 

Valere.     My  valet. 

Lisette.    I  don't  know  him. 

Valere.  Oh,  Lisette!  He  told  me  you  were 
working  together, 

Lisette.  I  have  no  idea  what  you  mean.  Mon- 
sieur. 

Valere.     Don't  make  me  angry. 

(Enter  Madame  Oronte  and  Angelique.) 

Madame  Oronte.  (To  Valere)  Ah,  Monsieur 
Valere,  I  must  scold  you.  Does  a  man  of  honor 
forge  letters  ? 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.     31 

Valere.  I  forge,  Madame  ?  Who  has  been  tell- 
ing tales  about  me? 

LiSETTE.  {To  Madame  Oronte)  Madame, 
someone  has  been  circulating  evil  reports.  Believe 
me,  Monsieur  is  innocent.  {Enter  Monsieur 
Oronte  and  Monsieur  Orgon)  Now  we  shall 
find  out  everything. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  {To  Monsieur  Orgon) 
Someone  has  been  playing  us  false  here. 

Monsieur  Orgon.  We  must  clear  it  up,  Mon- 
sieur. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  {To  his  wife)  Madame,  I 
have  just  met  Monsieur  Orgon.  He  has  come  to 
Paris  to  take  back  his  word.     Damis  is  married ! 

Angelique.     {Aside)    What  is  this? 
Monsieur    Orgon.       {To    Madame    Oronte) 
True,   Madame,   but   when  you  learn  the  circum- 
stances, I  am  sure  you  will  excuse 

Monsieur  Oronte.  {To  his  wife)  I  under- 
stand that,  but  what  I  cannot  understand  is  that  he 
says  his  son  is  still  at  Chartres. 

Monsieur  Orgon.    Of  course  he  is. 

Madame  Oronte.  But  there  is  a  young  man  here 
who  says  he  is  your  son. 

Monsieur  Orgon.    An  imposter ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  But  La  Branche,  who  is  your 
son's  valet,  calls  him  master. 

Monsieur  Orgon.  La  Branche,  you  say?  The 
rascal !  Now  I  see  !  He  told  me  to  stay  away  from 
here  just  now,  and  prevented  me  from  coming  in  to 
see  you.  He  said  you  were  both  furious  with  me, 
and  that  you  maltreated  him. 

Madame  Oronte.     Liar! 

Lisette.     {Aside)     I  see  everything  now! 

Valere.     {Aside)     The  traitor! 

Monsieur  Oronte.    Here  they  are  now  ! 

{Enter  Crispin  and  La  Branche) 
Crispin.      {To   Monsieur  Oronte,   not  seeing 


Z2     CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER, 

Valere  and  Orgon)  Well,  Monsieur,  is  every- 
thing ready?     {Seeing  the  others)     The  devil ! 

La  Branche.  Discovered!  (La  Branche  and 
Crispin  start  to  run  off,  hut  Valere  stops  them) 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Hold  them !  Now  we  have 
them,  the  scoundrels ! 

Valere,  {Pointing  to  Crispin)  Here  is  my 
valet,  who  tried  to  pass  himself  off  as  Damis. 

Madame  Oronte.     Heavens,  his  valet! 

Crispin.  Now,  Monsieur,  you  must  not  judge  us 
on  appearances ! 

Monsieur  Orgon.  {To  La  Branche)  Is  this 
the  way  you  carry  out  my  orders  ? 

La  Branche.  Careful,  Monsieur,  you  must  not 
condemn  us  unheard. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  What  can  you  say  for  your- 
selves ? 

Crispin.    La  Branche  will  explain. 

La  Branche.     You  speak,  Crispin. 

Crispin.  Well,  now  I'll  tell  you  everything.  I 
pretended  I  was  Damis  in  order  to  dissuade  Mon- 
sieur and  Madame  Oronte  from  the  intended  mar- 
riage, and  so  do  a  good  turn  for  my  master.  I  was 
unfortunate  to  enough  to  create  exactly  the  opposite 
effect  to  the  one  I  intended. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  But  you  would  have 
married  my  daughter  ? 

Crispin.     Oh,  no,  Monsieur;  ask  La  Branche. 

Valere.  You  have  no  possible  excuse.  Since 
Damis  was  married,  your  trick  was  useless. 

Crispin.  Well,  ladies  and  gentlemen,  if  you 
insist  on  mxaking  us  out  as  scoundrels,  at  least  you 
might  treat  us  as  such.  We  beg  your  forgiveness. 
{He  kneels  to  Monsieur  Oronte) 

La  Branche.     {Likewise  kneeling)     Pity  us  ! 

Crispin.     Frankly,  the  dowry  tempted  us. 

Monsieur  Oronte.     You  shall  be  punished. 

La  Branche.  I  am  sure  Madame  Oronte  is 
tender-hearted ! 


CRISPIN,  RIVAL  OF  HIS  MASTER.     33 

Crispin.  The  charming  Madame  Oronte  v/ill  not 
allow  us  to  be  punished  ? 

Madame  Oronte.  {Moved — to  her  husband) 
The  poor  young  men  !     Forgive  them. 

Monsieur  Orgon.  You  are  very  lucky,  I  can 
tell  you,  to  have  Madame  intercede  for  you ! 

Monsieur  Oronte.  I  should  like  to  see  you  sent 
to  jail,  but  since  my  wife  wishes  it,  I  am  willing  to 
forget  the  past.  To-day  I  shall  give  my  daughter 
to  Valere  You  may  celebrate.  And  if  you  promise 
to  be  honest  in  the  future  I  shall  look  after  your 
interests  and  fortunes. 

Crispin.     (Rising)     Monsieur,  we  promise! 

La  Branciie.  (Also  rising)  Yes,  Monsieur,  we 
are  so  grieved  over  the  failure  of  our  enterprise, 
that  we  renounce  henceforth  all  undertakings  of  the 
kind. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  You  are  clever,  I  must 
admit,  but  I  advise  you  to  put  your  cleverness  to  a 
better  use  in  the  future.  Let  me  establish  you  both 
in  business.  (To  La  Branche)  I  know  a  splendid 
position  for  you. 

La  Branche.  I  am  extremely  grateful.  Mon- 
sieur. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  (To  Crispin)  I  have 
picked  out  the  granddaughter  of  a  friend  of  mine 
for  your  wife. 

Crispin.  I  shall  endeavor  to  prove  myself  worthy 
of  the  honor. 

Monsieur  Oronte.  Now  let  us  go — here — the 
feast  is  ready  in  my  house.  (To  Monsieur 
Orgon)  I  hope  Monsieur  Orgon  will  do  me 
the  honor  of  being  a  guest  at  my  daughter's 
wedding  ? 

Monsieur  Orgon.  With  pleasure,  as  I  shall  have 
an  opportunity  of  dancing  with  Madame  Oronte. 
(He  offers  his  arm  to  Madame  Oronte,  zvho  takes 
it.    They  all  pass  into  Monsieur  Oronte's  house) 

CURTAIN. 


THE  WORLD'S   BEST  PLAYS 

By    Celebrated    European    Authors 


A  NEW  SERIES  OF  AMATEUR  PLAYS   BY  THE  BEST 
AUTHORS,   ANCIENT   AND   MODERN,   ESPECIALLY 
TRANSLATED  WITH  HISTORICAL  NOTES,  SUG- 
GESTIONS   FOR  STAGING,    Etc.,   FOR   THE 
USE    OF    SCHOOLS,    COLLEGES,    AND 
DRAMATIC  CLUBS 

BARRETT    H.     CLARK 

General     Editor 


ITH   the    immensely    increased  demand  for  new 
plays  for  purposes   of  production   by   amateurs 

W  comes  a  correspondingly  great  demand  for  a  care- 
ful selection  of  those  plays  which  can  b9  easily 
and  well  presented  by  clubs  and  colleges.  The 
plays  in  the  present  series  have  been  chosen  with 
regard  to  their  intrinsic  value  as  drama  and  liter- 
ature, and  at  the  same  time  to  their  adaptability  to  the  needs  and 
limitations  of  such  organizations. 

The  Series,  under  the  personal  supervision  of  Mr.  Barrett  H. 
Clark,  instructor  in  the  department  of  Dramatic  Literature  at 
Chautauqua,  New  York,  assistant  stage  manager  and  actor  with 
Mrs.  Fiske  (season  1912-1913),  now  comprises  ten  volumes,  and  fifteen 
more  will  make  their  appearance  during  the  year.  Eventually 
there  will  be  plays  from  ancient  Greece  and  Rome,  Italy,  Spain, 
France,  Russia,  Germany,  and  the  Scandinavian  countries,  repre- 
sentative of  some  of  the  best  drama  of  all  ages  and  lands. 

Each  volume  is  prefaced  by  a  concise  historical  note  by  Mr.  Clark, 
and  with  a  few  suggestions  for  staging. 


Plays    Now    Ready 

INDIAN  SUMMER,  a  comedy  in  one  act  by  Mkilhao  and 
Halbvy.  This  little  play,  by  two  of  the  most  famous  writers  of 
comedy  of  the  last  century,  has  been  played  at  the  Com6die  Fran- 
caise  at  Paris  for  upwards  of  forty  years,  and  remains  one  of  the 
brightest  and  most  popular  works  of  the  period.    Pbicb  25  Cmrrs. 

ROSALIE,  by  Max  Maurkt.  A  "  Grand  Guiffnol "  comedy  In 
one  act,  full  of  verve  and  clever  dialogue.  Rosalie,  the  stubborn  maid, 
leads  her  none  too  amiable  master  and  mistress  into  uncomfortable 
complications  by  ref using:  to  open  the  front  door  to  a  supposed  guest 
of  wealth  and  influence.    Pbic*  25  Cents. 

MODESTT,  by  Paul  Hkrvibtj.  A  delightful  trifle  by  one  of  the 
most  celebrated  of  living  dramatisU.    Pbicb  25  Cents. 

THE  ART  OF  BEING  BORED.  {Lt  Monde  oU  Von  8'Bnnuie)»  a 
comedy  in  three  acts  by  Edouard  Paillbbon.  Probably  the  best- 
known  and  most  f  reauently  acted  comedy  of  manners  in  the  realm 
of  nineteenth  century  French  drama.  It  is  replete  with  wit  and 
comic  situations.  For  nearly  forty  years  it  has  held  the  stage, 
While  countless  imitators  have  endeavored  to  reproduce  its  fresh- 
ness and  charm.    Pricb  25  Cknts. 

A  MARRIAGE  PROPOSAL,  by  Anton  TCHaKHori-,  a  comedy 

in  one  act,  by  one  of  the  greatest  of  modern  Russian  writers.  This 
little  farce  is  very  popular  in  Russia,  and  satirizes  the  peasants  of 
that  country  in  an  amusing  manner.    Pbiob  25  Cbnts. 

THE  GREBN  COAT,  by  Alpbbd  db  Mussbt  and  Ehilb  Augixb. 
A  slight  and  comic  character  sketch  of  the  life  of  Bohemian  artists 
In  Paris,  written  by  one  of  France's  greatest  poets  and  one  of  her 
best-known  dramatists.    Price  25  Cbnts. 

THE  WAGER,  by  Giusbppb  Giacosa.  This  one  act  poetic 
comedy,  written  by  the  most  celebrated  dramatist  of  modem  Italy, 
was  the  author's  first  work.  It  treats  of  a  wager  made  by  a  proud 
young  page,  who  risks  his  life  on  the  outcome  of  a  game  of  chess. 
Pricb  25  Cents. 


the:  little  shepherdess,  a  poetic  comedy  in  one  act, 
by  Andre  Rivoirk.  A  charming  pastoral  sketch  by  a  well-known 
French  poet  and  dramatist.  Played  with  success  at  the  Com^dle 
Francaise.    Price  25  Cents. 

PHORMIO,  a  Latin  comedy  by  Terence.  An  up-to-date  version 
of  tlie  famous  comedy.  One  of  the  masterpieces  of  Latin  drama; 
the  story  of  a  father  who  returns  to  find  that  his  son  has  married 
a  slave  girl.  Phormio,  the  parasite-villain  who  causes  the  numerous 
comic  complications,  succeeds  in  unraveling  the  difficulties,  and 
all  ends  happily.    Price  25  Cents. 

THE  TWINS,  a  Latin  farce  by  Pi,auttj8,  upon  which  Shake- 
speare founded  his  Comedy  of  Errors.    Price  25  Cents. 

THE  BOOR,  by  Anton  Tchekoff.  A  well-known  farce  by  the 
celebrated  Russian  master;  it  is  concerned  with  Russian  peasants, 
and  portrays  with  masterly  skill  the  comic  side  of  country  life. 
Price  25  Cents. 

THE  BLACK  PEARL,  by  Victorien  Sardotj.  One  of  Sardou's 
most  famous  comedies  of  intrigue.  A  house  has,  it  is  thought, 
been  robbed.  But  through  skilful  investigation  it  is  found  that  the 
ha%-oc  wrought  has  been  done  by  lightning.    Price  25  Cents. 

CHARMING   LEANDRE,   by  Theodore  de  Danville.    The 

author  of  "  Gringoire  "  is  here  seen  In  a  poetic  vein,  yet  the  French- 
man's innate  sense  of  humor  recalls,  in  this  satirical  little  play,  the 
geniiis  of  Moliere.    Price  25  Cents. 

THE  POST-SCRIPTUM.  by  Emile  Auqier.  Of  this  one-act 
comedy  Professor  Brander  Matthews  writes:  "...  one 
of  the  brightest  and  most  brilliant  little  one-act  comedies  in  any 
language,  and  to  be  warmly  recommended  to  American  readers." 
Price  25  Cents. 

THE  HOUSE  OF  FOURCHAMBAULT,  by  Emilb  Augier. 
One  of  the  greatest  of  recent  French  family  dramas.  Although  the 
play  is  serious  in  tone,  it  contains  touches  which  entitle  it  to  a 
position  among  tlie  best  comedies  of  manners  of  the  times.  Pricb 
25  Cents. 


THE  DOCTOR  IN  SPITE  OF  HIMSELF,  by  MOLIERE.  A 
famous  farce  by  the  greatest  of  French  dramatists.  Sganarelle  has 
to  be  beaten  before  he  will  acknowledge  that  he  Is  a  doctor,  which 
he  is  not.  He  then  works  apparently  miraculous  cures.  The  play 
is  a  sharp  satire  on  the  medical  profession  in  the  17th  Century. 
Pbibe  25  Cents. 

BRIGNOL   AND    HIS    DAUGHTER,    by  Capus.      The    first 

comedy  in  English  of  the  most  sprightly  and  satirical  of  present- 
day  French  dramatists.    Price  25  Cents. 

CHOOSING  A  CAREER,  by  G.  A.  DE  Caillavet.  Written  by 
one  of  the  authors  of  "Love  Watches."  A  farce  of  mistaken 
identity,  full  of  humorous  situations  and  bright  lines.    Prick  25 

Cents. 

FRENCH  WITHOUT  A  MASTER,  by  Tristan  Bernard.  A 
clever  farce  by  one  of  the  most  successful  of  French  dramatists. 
It  is  concerned  with  the  difficulties  of  a  bogus-interpreter  who 
does  not  know  a  word  of  French.    Price  25  Cents. 

PATER  NOSTER,  a  poetic  play  in  one  act,  by  Francois 
COPPEE.  A  pathetic  incident  of  the  time  of  the  Paris  Commune, 
in  1871.    Price  25  Cents. 

THE  ROMANCERS,  a  comedy  in  three  acts,  by  Edmond  Ros- 
tand. New  translation  of  this  celebrated  and  charming  little 
romantic  play  by  the  famous  atithor  of  "Cyrano  de  Bergerac  "  and 
"  Chantecler."    Price  25  Cents. 

THE  MERCHANT  GENTLEMAN,  (Le  Bourgeois  Gentil- 
homme),  by  Moliere.  New  translation  of  one  of  MoliSre's  comic 
masterpieces,  a  play  which  is  peculiarly  well  adapted  to  amateur 
production.    Price  50  Cents. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
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